Grid Drawings

I've done variations on many of the Grid Drawing assignments
mentioned here. I continue to do this with my Introduction to Art
classes because I find that very often students who have low confidence
about drawing experience some success, often for the first time. These
same students are then much more likely to try other drawing assignments
that are more difficult. It's a confidence builder!
This year we had students use ink pads and erasers and create
the drawing with ink spots sort of like Chuck Close. The kids liked
this a lot and got good results. Some chose to use their finger or
thumb on the ink to do thumb print drawings.
I think getting by the "I can't draw." syndrome is important to
do no matter how you have to get there. When kids start feeling good
about their work, they're just more adventuresome. After using the grid
approach, I really like Betty Edward's approach to contour, negative
space, etc.
Kay McCrea
Wichita, Kansas